Song of the Deep

 Xbox One
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
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  1. GameSpew
    Jul 15, 2016
    90
    With Song of the Deep, Insomniac Games have truly surprised and impressed, and hopefully they will continue expanding their portfolio with similarly leftfield titles in the future.
  2. We Got This Covered
    Jul 20, 2016
    80
    Shaky conclusion aside, Song of the Deep is a narrative rich adventure that successfully pairs Metroidvania gameplay with a dynamic underwater setting.
  3. Vandal
    Jul 17, 2016
    80
    Insomniac has delivered a beautiful game, filled with emotions and solid gameplay. It's not perfect, but it is unique.
  5. ICXM
    Aug 5, 2016
    75
    Song of the Deep is a good game you should play for its emotional story which is more complex than it initially seems. The mechanics are interesting and the fact that we don’t usually get many underwater adventures adds to its appeal. While there are problems—like the visual artifacts and storytelling decisions mentioned earlier—the story and gameplay make up for them.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Most Discussed Xbox One Game of 2016

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 29
  3. Negative: 5 out of 29
  1. RetroDan90
    Aug 10, 2016
    8
    Song of the deep is a good game that just falls short of greatness.

    For fans of the metroidvania genre this game will give you a quick fix.    Song of the deep is a good game that just falls short of greatness.

    For fans of the metroidvania genre this game will give you a quick fix. The story is very strong and told well through a beautiful narrative. It's intriguing and original, constantly willing you to play that little long.

    To further this games strengths one glace wil tell you this is a stunning game. The undersea world is a gripping expanse and you want to explore.

    Unfortunately it is in it's exploration and gameplay that this game shows it's weakness. The submarine gameplay occasionally boarders on being a tad loose. Controlling Merryn does feel somewhat better and insomniac does deserve credit for creating that differential between the sub and Merryn.

    The biggest letdown in gameplay for me is in the combat, it often feels like you are penned in to using the same attacks when facing enemies, and while this might be a reflection of my ability I did find changing attack during combat cumbersome. On top of this the upgrades do not offer the variety or improvements that you want and often just feel purposely placed to allow story progression.

    In closing xbox players were spoilt with the fantastic Ori And The Blind Forest and while Song Of The Deep can't match that level of greatness there's enough here to enjoy and make Song Of The Deep more than worth a play through. I also think Insomniac deserve massive praise for breaking from their norm and offering a stand out story and visual delight. So while the gameplay may leave you wanting, the story and graphics will leave you in awe.    … Full Review »
  2. adamhorton
    Jan 29, 2017
    9
    How can a game this beautiful and fun have a 6.6 critic score? This game is amazing. This should be in the upper 8s at least. I would give itHow can a game this beautiful and fun have a 6.6 critic score? This game is amazing. This should be in the upper 8s at least. I would give it a 9.5 if I could. It's not a 10 (that score is reserved for a handful of games only), but it's very, very good.… Full Review »
  3. PaleHorse79
    Aug 29, 2018
    9
    This game is excellent. Everyone in our family of six enjoys it, and the controls are intuitive enough for even the youngest of us to pick itThis game is excellent. Everyone in our family of six enjoys it, and the controls are intuitive enough for even the youngest of us to pick it up right away. Sub upgrades are well thought out and designed. The different abilities you acquire are put to good use solving new puzzles and exploring new areas. They even make earlier areas worth revisiting to see what new things you can find with your new tools.

    The story may not be the most inspired thing ever written, but with the setting and voice acting it feels original. The music accompanies this to good effect. Playtime is about right. You feel like you get plenty for your money's worth, but it never feels like it drags on into repetitive drudgery like too many titles do. It leaves you satisfied and still not tired of it.

    I wish there were more titles like this one.    … Full Review »
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